The 4 Aces, First Generation, 1931 to 1942

Last updated June 2009

The first generation "4 Aces" were the SS Excalibur (I), the SS Exochorda (I), the SS Excambion (I), and the SS Exeter (I). All four ships were built by the New York Shipbuilding Company, Camden, New Jersey. Sailings to the Mediterranean began in 1932 and lasted until 1940. Sailings between Lisbon and New York commenced in 1940, and lasted until 1942. During the war, the 4 Aces were converted to Attack Transport vessels. The Excambion became the John Penn, and was sunk in combat. The Exochorda betcame the Harry Lee. The Exeter became the Edward Rutledge, and was sunk in combat. The Excalibur became the Joseph Hewes, and was also sunk in combat.

Sailings April 1932-June 1933 (issued May 1932)

Sailings May 1938-June 1939 (issued June 1938)

Promenade Deck Smoking Room

Promenade Deck Lounge

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Promenade Deck Veranda Cafe

A-Deck Reception Hall

A-Deck Semi-Private Veranda

A-Deck Stateroom

B-Deck Dining Room

4 Aces, Second Generation, 1948 to 1965

Last updated June 2009

In 1944 American Export Lines started to build a new fleet of "4 Aces". However, in that same year the un-completed ships were requisitioned by the US Navy for service in WW II and finished as Windsor-class attack transport vessels. Following the war, the ships were sent to the Hoboken Yard of Bethlehem Steel Corporation for conversion back to passenger cargo ships. Fashioning the modern (1948) cruise liners from attack transport vessels required stripping the vessels to the bare hull and machinery. Entirely new superstructures were built that included passenger staterooms located primarily on promenade and "A" decks. Approximately 2 million pounds of steel and miles of cables and piping were needed to completely refurbish the structure on each ship.

4 Aces, 1948, Veranda Illustration

Noted industrial decorator Henry Dreyfuss, whose many designs included the "Twentieth Century Limited" locomotive (1938) for New York's Central railroad, and the "500" desk telephone (1949), the Bell System standard for 45 years, designed the interiors. Zalud Marine Corporation executed the design, including joiner work, that included thousands of feet of carpet, specially woven fabrics and an unusual amount of glass.

The post-war 4 Aces were among the first ships with fully air-conditioned staterooms, many of which were also soundproofed. Each of the ship's glass enclosed promenade decks featured a built-in swimming pool and play area adjacent to a modern bar and smoking room.

Sea safety standards were unusually high and included modern (1948) smoke detection, fire control and fireproofing.

Following their final sea trials, the ships were formally delivered to American Export Lines at the company's terminal at Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ.

All artwork for the new 4 Aces ships had been selected by interior designer Henry Dreyfuss. Dreyfuss had commissioned artist Mine Okubod to create a mural reflecting the ship's Mediterranean sailing route, to be located in the ship's main foyer. Other notable artwork included white-on-black depictions of life at sea (whimsical "doodles" by artist Saul Steinberg) which added subtle context to Promenade's bar and smoking lounge. While in the dining lounge, passengers were treated to Loren MacIver's mural portrayal of trade and commerce activities along the sailing route.